Martha Kendall is an educator, writer, and musician known for her engaging speaking programs that blend inspiration, humor, and music. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Michigan, she earned a double major in English and Spanish, followed by a Master’s degree in English from Stanford University and a Master’s in Social Science from San Jose State University.
A Carnegie Scholar, Kendall has influenced education globally, speaking at conferences from Boston to Buenos Aires. She served as Senior Executive Editor of the international journal College Teaching and authored widely used textbooks and the Real Thing DVD series, which have reached students across the U.S., Europe, Canada, the Middle East, and China.
At San Jose City College, she was a beloved educator, receiving multiple “Best Teacher” awards from student groups. She also served as Chair of the English Department, Coordinator of the Teaching and Learning Center, and Dean of Language Arts, and she founded the college’s annual Women’s History Celebration.
Beyond academia, Kendall is a dedicated musician, playing bass, cello, guitar, fiddle, banjo, and penny whistle. A native of Rochester, New York, she now lives in the Santa Cruz Mountains of California with her husband, Joe Weed.